I’ve seen various pictures of Spitfire Mk IX’s, but with different tails, some have a pointed ones, and some have the rounded MkI style. Is it a change in early MkIX’s and late MkIX’s?? Are there any other differences ?? What type of tail would a Mk VIII, Mk X or XI have ??

Hi Mossieramm, as you say I think the larger more pointed rudder was generally fitted to later Mk9 spits. It had over 50% more area so would improve longitudinal stability. The first Mk9 spits were re engined Mk5 airframes and the rudders were considered satisfactory. In light of handling reports the bigger rudders would have been designed and tested. The MkVIII also had both types of rudder fitted altough the majority of photos I've seen show the bigger rudder.

And it gets even better when you start talking about the elevators, since there are two styles: The early single-kink horn elevators seen through Mk. V's and early Mk. IX's, and then the ones with an additional kink in the hinge line.

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HTH